Firefighters, supporters go under the clippers at Broomfield St. Baldrick's event to support childhood cancer research

North Metro Fire Rescue District's St. Baldrick's Day event was one of 1,127 across the country to help raise funds to support childhood cancer treatment and research through the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

To find out more about St. Baldrick's Foundation or to find an upcoming head-shaving event in the area, visit stbaldricks.org

One by one, they looked around and grinned. Slowly, they reached out and rubbed each other's newly-shaven heads.

"Looking good, buddy," one man called to another.

Participants in North Metro Fire Rescue District's St. Baldrick's Day event on Friday knew why any sane person would willingly shave their head. After all, a few inches of hair is no loss compared to the suffering experienced by families dealing with childhood cancer.

St. Baldrick's Day, a nationwide effort to raise money for childhood cancer research and treatment, each year helps communities host head-shaving events in the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day.

At North Metro's first St. Baldrick's Day event Friday, participants raised about $25,000 by shaving the heads of about 50 volunteers. A few hundred other participants showed up to the Exchange Tavern to watch the head-shaving event and donate to the cause.

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"It's a cause you just can't say no to. It just made sense to help out," said Caleb Larson, the coordinator for North Metro's event. Larson is a firefighter and paramedic who sported a full head of hair before kissing his locks goodbye for the St. Baldrick's cause. After the event, he sported a semi-wavy mohawk.

"It's amazing to see everyone step forward," he said.

OFF IT GOES: Amanda Vigil shaves the head of North Metro Fire Rescue District firefighter James Hunt. (David R Jennings / Broomfield Enterprise)

Larson participated in another St. Baldrick's Day event a few years ago in Denver, but thought it would be better if there was an event closer to home, so more of his fire rescue peers could get involved. He invited volunteers from the Westminster, Louisville and Pleasant View fire departments, who all shaved their heads for the event. The Thornton Fire Department's Pipe and Drum Corps entertained guests to add to the St. Patrick's Day feel.

Although Larson expected to see a handful of volunteers, the Exchange Tavern was packed throughout the event.

The final amount raised won't be available for a few weeks, because St. Baldrick's employees must confirm fundraising numbers, but generous donations and a few walk-in head-shaving volunteers helped his original $7,000 fundraising estimate number soar to about $25,000, Larson said.

Participants went out of their way to help out, he said.

"We had people on duty drive up in the (fire truck,) get out, get their heads shaved and go back to work," he said.

Jason Crownover, an engineer and paramedic with North Metro, said it was a no-brainer to have his head shaved . He has two sons — 8-year-old Aiden and 6-year-old Jude — who are healthy young boys. Yet Crownover's family has friends who are dealing with childhood illnesses.

"This is a chance to do something positive," said Crownover, who sported a new, spiky mohawk. "We want to fund research to find a cure."

Sara Farris, North Metro spokeswoman, said several families attended the event to support their children, who have either died because of childhood cancer or are still battling. Those personal stories helped inspire the crowd to continue supporting the St. Baldrick's cause, she said.

Teddi Davis, owner of The Exchange Tavern, said the St. Baldrick's Day festival was a true community event. The pub has two business neighbors, Appearances and Studio Salon, that volunteered to shave heads, as did stylists from Supercuts, and Exchange employees poured beers and served St. Patrick's Day dishes.

Many families brought in their babies and toddlers — a visual reminder of St. Baldrick's effort to help children who battle cancer at a young age.

Davis said she is already excited to help host St. Baldrick's Day again next year.

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